The Crown Estate has announced today that it will support clean energy company, Morwind, to produce a feasibility study to further their proposals for Channel Gateway, a deep-water offshore wind port at Portland. Read the announcement from The Crown Estate.
The proposed wind port facility would bring thousands of jobs to Portland, Weymouth, Dorset and the South West, creating up to £2.7 billion of economic benefit
The feasibility study will explore the technical, environmental, and economic viability of the proposal, marking a significant step towards unlocking new growth opportunities for the region. Key factors such as site suitability, environmental impact and commercial benefits will be assessed.
The proposed Channel Gateway facility is specifically designed to service the offshore wind energy sector, including the manufacturing of components such as concrete substructures, the integration and assembly of large-scale components, marshalling and staging areas for deployment, and operations and maintenance support.
The project represents a transformational opportunity for Portland, Weymouth, and South Dorset. Channel Gateway would create over 1,000 direct jobs at the facility and over 5,000 positions in the wider regional supply chain – bringing long-term economic prosperity to local communities that will be at the heart of Britain’s clean energy future.
The facility would provide 700-1,000 metres of deep-water berthing and 50-60 hectares of high load-bearing quayside at Balaclava Bay, making it the largest offshore wind port on the south coast of the UK. If approved and built following the feasibility study and formal consent processes, the facility is expected to be operational around 2032.
The project has received support from key local stakeholders including Weymouth and Portland Town Councils, Lloyd Hatton MP for South Dorset, and Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, reflecting strong backing from across the region for the potential economic, social, and employment benefits Channel Gateway could deliver.
Lloyd Hatton MP said: “I am delighted that this clean energy project has received initial funding from the accelerator fund. Channel Gateway will form a key part of the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster (DCESC) – a £28 billion investment opportunity that can make the whole of South Dorset a hub for producing clean energy.
“If successful, this cluster will deliver well-paid jobs for local people and help attract fresh green investment to South Dorset. I will continue to work closely with all the key players and Morwind to clear the path for delivery. By securing projects like Channel Gateway, we can finally create hundreds of decent jobs for young people locally.”
Ben Gowers, Director of Morwind, said: “We are delighted to receive significant backing from The Crown Estate through the Supply Chain Accelerator Fund. As a South West-based company, we are committed to delivering this transformational project for Portland and our region. This funding enables us to undertake the rigorous feasibility work needed to demonstrate that Channel Gateway can become a reality for Portland and Dorset.
“Britain has ambitious offshore wind targets that will build UK resilience, but we simply don’t have adequate port infrastructure to deliver them. The Celtic Sea alone has potential for over sixteen gigawatts of offshore wind capacity. Channel Gateway would address this critical gap, and we believe Portland is the ideal location to do so.”
The Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator Fund (SCA2) is a £50 million initiative launched to strengthen the UK’s offshore wind supply chain. SCA2 provides funding of up to 50% for early-stage development work, helping UK businesses build the facilities and infrastructure needed to support the growing offshore wind industry.
The SCA2 funding will support site investigations, technical and environmental assessments, planning applications, and developing a comprehensive business case. This feasibility phase, estimated to cost around £1.5 million, is designed to make the project investment-ready, with findings used to secure further funding and progress towards an application for consent for this Strategic National Infrastructure Project.
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council commented: “Funding for the Channel Gateway Project is a major opportunity for the UK and will bring investment and energy to Dorset. We’re working with our unitary neighbours at Somerset, Wiltshire and BCP councils through the Wessex Partnership to boost regional growth and with The Crown Estate, we plan to support offshore wind supply chains, creating jobs, social value and economic growth for local communities.”
Portland is unique and an ideal location due to its sheltered harbour, deep-water access, and having one of the lowest tidal ranges in the UK, allowing 24-hour unconstrained operations. The site’s strategic location provides easy access to both UK and European offshore wind markets.
Claire Pearce, Strategic Project Director for the DCESC commented: “I am thrilled that the potential of the Channel Gateway project to support the offshore wind industry in the South West has been recognised by The Crown Estate. Portland has unique capability to support investment in critical port infrastructure and help build UK supply chains, whilst directly connecting to local community to create new opportunities for training and clean energy jobs. This feasibility study will be a key next step on a pathway to delivery”.
Morwind has lined up leading experts for the successful bid, including Haskoning and Entr for technical definition, KPMG for financial advice, Dorset Council to ensure local benefits are fully realised, and the existing Portland Port to deliver mutual value across the site.
Ben Gowers continued: “What makes the Channel Gateway project special is the collaborative approach we’ve adopted from the start, including working with the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster. This partnership approach ensures we are developing infrastructure that meets the needs of the offshore wind industry while delivering substantial long-term economic benefits for local communities right here in Dorset.
“If the feasibility study demonstrates the project is viable and we secure the necessary approvals and investment, Channel Gateway would create over 1000 direct jobs at the facility itself, with over 5,000 more in the wider supply chain. These would be long-term, skilled positions supported by comprehensive training programmes to ensure local people are prioritised for these opportunities.
“We believe in the importance of engaging with the local communities who will directly benefit from Channel Gateway from the beginning. Public consultation will be a critical part of our approach, hearing from local residents, businesses, and community groups to ensure Channel Gateway, if developed, truly serves the interests of the people of Portland, Weymouth, and South Dorset.
“We’re grateful to The Crown Estate for their confidence in our vision. This feasibility study is the crucial foundation that will help us present a robust case to investors, government, and the offshore wind industry. We look forward to working with all our partners and, most importantly, with local communities, to explore how Channel Gateway can support both Britain’s clean energy future and the long-term economic prosperity of our region.”
